School will be out soon, and that means much more time spent outdoors with your kids! We are sure you are looking forward to all of the fun activities and memories that your family will make, but do your best to respect the sun.

Don’t let a significant sunburn put a damper on your summer plans! Children tend to burn more easily than adults do because their skin is thinner and more sensitive.

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team explains how to protect your kids from experiencing a sunburn below, so read on to learn more.

Why Does the Sun Hurt My Skin?

Even though feeling the sun on your face on a warm summer’s day can feel amazing, you have to be careful whenever you are exposed to it. That’s because the sun’s rays emit UV, or ultraviolet, light. This light is damaging to our skin and can cause a reaction that is very painful!

A sunburn is that negative reaction to UV light. You can expect your skin to turn red, become inflamed and feel sensitive or painful for a few days. Even though the burn will subside, the damage has already been done. The UV rays damage your skin cell DNA permanently, which increases your chance of having sun spots, wrinkles and even skin cancer later in life.

Tips for Minimizing Sun Exposure

• Avoid being outside when the sun is the strongest.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade.
• Encourage sunglasses and protective clothing.
• Move outdoor activities into a shady spot.

How Can I Prevent Sunburns?

The first thing you should be doing before heading to any sort of outdoor activity is layering on the sunscreen. Your child should have a layer of sunscreen applied to every area of exposed skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours or more often if your child is swimming.

If you have control over the activity, try to set it up in the shade! Even though you can still burn in the shade, it does reduce your chances. If that’s not possible, offer wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to your kids, and consider investing in UV ray-blocking clothing for them. It can help filter out those dangerous rays and protect your children’s sensitive skin.

Relieving a Painful Burn

• Apply a cool compress to the area.
• Offer OTC medication for lingering pain.
• Apply aloe vera or a moisturizing lotion.
• Encourage hydration by offering water often.

Sun safety is crucial throughout your life. If your child experiences a painful burn, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road.